Campaign Context: Texas voters could help decide control of US Senate

This campaign season, politicians are turning up the volume on campaign rhetoric. To cut through the noise, we’re launching Campaign Context, a series providing clarity on the messages you’re hearing from candidates on the campaign trail. We’re digging past the politics and into the facts to provide you with the transparent, spin-free information you need to make informed decisions this election season.

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The votes of Texans in November could matter more than before when it comes to the balance of power in the U.S. Senate, potentially affecting the agenda of whoever wins the White House.

Our partners at The Hill recently reported on new polling showing a tightening race between incumbent Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and his Democratic challenger Rep. Colin Allred.

An upset in the Lone Star State would certainly help Democrats who are in danger of losing control of the upper chamber. Their majority right now is as close as it gets — 51 to 49.

There are 34 Senate seats in play in November. Twenty-three of them are held by Democrats or Independents (who caucus with Democrats). That means Republicans have fewer seats they need to defend and only need to flip two seats.

Further complicating things for Democrats, Independent West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin is retiring, and many political experts believe it's all but certain his seat will turn red come November. That by itself would make the Senate 50-50.

Experts point out there are vulnerable Democrats in a handful of states including Montana, Ohio, Nevada, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Maryland.

It's something to keep in mind for Texans who believe their votes don't carry much weight when it comes to national politics, because this time, they just might.

At least, when it comes to the Senate.